Solar systems consist of various parts, and one of these important parts is the solar inverter battery. Inverter batteries are used to provide power backup systems for areas that have power outages. While inverter batteries were originally used for commercial and industrial applications, they have now found applications in residential solar systems.

What do solar panels provide?

Solar inverter batteries for homes are often connected with the solar panel system. In many Indian towns, the electricity supply is unreliable and slow. This is especially true in summer and monsoon when the grid is turned off to avoid electrical problems. Solar panels are the solution that most households have turned to.

When a solar panel is installed, it can generate electricity from the sun’s rays and provide electricity for the house’s requirements. Thereby allowing the household to function even when there is a power outage.

What do solar inverter batteries for homes provide?

The solar inverter battery has main roles:
  • Storage of excess electricity
  • Conversion of DC power to AC power
When this solar system is connected to an inverter battery, the excess charge generated by the solar panel can be stored. Once the inverter battery is charged, it can be used during the night to power lights, fans, refrigerators and all other appliances. The inverter battery can be used during rainy days where there is little sun to generate electricity.

The power generated by the solar panel and that stored in a battery is DC. The second role of solar inverter batteries for homes is to convert this DC power to AC power. DC power cannot be used directly by any home appliance. Therefore, conversion is a requirement if you wish to use a solar panel to power your home.

What are the other types of inverter batteries?

If you don’t wish to install a solar system in your home, the best alternative is lead-acid inverter batteries. These are also called the ‘traditional’ inverter batteries. Lead-acid batteries can produce a large current and are economical. However, when exposed to harsh weather conditions, they can be a health and environmental hazard. They require regular inspections and maintenance. There are three types of lead-acid batteries.

Tubular inverter batteries

These are pencil-type lead-acid batteries built to stand long power shortages. They are highly efficient and safe. They require medium-to-low maintenance and don’t produce a lot of pollution during operation. However, tubular inverter batteries require complex designs to provide maximum efficiency. They are expensive.

Flat-plate inverter batteries

The flat-plate inverter battery uses the same material as the tubular inverter battery. However, unlike a tubular inverter battery, the flat-plate inverter battery has a geometric design. This difference allows flat-plate inverter batteries to manage high current applications.

GEL batteries

GEL batteries are similar to tubular inverter batteries. The key difference is due to the silicon added to the GEL inverter battery. This silicon allows the acid to withstand harsh weather conditions. They have a longer shelf life than lead-acid batteries. They are often known as maintenance-free batteries.

Why are solar inverter batteries the best choice?

The table given below highlights the differences between solar inverter batteries and lead-acid inverter batteries.

 

Solar Inverter Batteries

Lead-acid Inverter Batteries

Average Price

3x standard price

Standard

Average Life Cycles

1500

500

Average Warranty

3 years

2 years

Environmental hazard

No

Yes

Health hazard

No

Yes

Fire hazard

No

Yes

Maintenance requirements

Low-to-no maintenance requirements

High maintenance 

Inspection requirements

Once every year

Every 3 months

Discharge rate (per month)

2%

8%

Charging time (full charge)

4-5 hours

10 hours

Efficiency

90-95%

80-85%


Bottom line

From the table above, the advantages of solar inverter batteries can be understood. While there is a significant difference in the cost of a solar inverter battery and a lead-inverter battery, solar inverter batteries for homes have many advantages. If you wish to reduce your carbon footprint and install an environment-friendly, low-maintenance battery, a solar inverter battery is a perfect choice. These can be installed with almost any solar system with the help of a technician.

By Snigdha Phatak